The episode/mini-doc was great:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2914890/?ref_=ttep_ep11
What I'm wondering, from those of you who have both seen this film and know the real story, how close is the film to reality and how much is sentimentalization?
Is it at least close to the truth?
Thanks!
Ive seen both. I am old enough to remember watching both Leonard Duran fights in the 80s as well. they were big events back then. I was a big Sugar Ray fan growing up and can remember crying when he lost the first one to Duran. I've seen and read articles about the fights throughout the years including the very well done 30 for 30 documentary
The movie only comes close to the real story in that the results of the fights. They try to make Duran a sympathetic character throughout the movie. they do show his blunt rough side as well but for the most part throughout his life Duran was a jerk to everyone.
The way he screamed profanities and Leonards wife Juanita during their build up to their Brawl in Montreal may have won him the fight but he stooped very low going to that level just to get in someones head to win a fight.
Leonard shaming him into quitting 2nd fight was the sweetest payback ever. Having said all that Roberto Duran was a great fighter.
" Tell me mom...when your little girl's on the slab...where will it tickle you?"
I beg to disagree. Leonard was a showman, and Roberto was a real no nonsense fighter. He grew up fighting on the streets of Panama when he was a little boy. I remember the first time I saw Roberto fight Ken Buchanan on national TV for Buchanan's title, Roberto had never gone past six rounds, and after his win you could see why. I watched the 30 for 30 segment and thought what a waste of time. Leonard travels all the way to Panama, and they're very cordial, but nothing came out of it - waste of time to me.
In the first fight with Leonard you can see the anger in Duran. He didn't like Leonard and it showed. If I remember right after the fight before the decision Leonard offered gratitude and tried to lift his arm and Duran's arms as champions. Roberto would have none of that. For Roberto I don't think it was about fame or money - just winning. I remember thinking if I was a boxer coming up the ladder to be champion I would rather fight a heavyweight champion than have to go into the ring against this Panamanian lightweight champion.
I'm not that big a fan of Leonard the fighter - I think Hagler beat him, but I am a fan of Leonard the Man. My girlfriend and I had a chance to meet Leonard in Los Vegas the weekend after the Ali/Holmes fight. He was conferring with various people at Caesars Palace and was alone at a table for a few seconds. My GF asked me if it would be rude to get an autograph. I said no, but he's probably an *beep* She went over and he sat there and talked to her for at least a half hour, she evenhad to excuse herself and btw forgot to get the autograph. In case you're wondering she rated herself then a 7 in SoCal, but no more than a 5 in Vegas. Roberto, or any other person could not have been more gracious.